www.leemanlabs.

com
Prodigy
DC Arc
Garry Kunselman, Maura Mahar and Peter Brown
Teledyne Leeman Labs 6 Wentworth Drive Hudson, NH 03051
And
Paul Dalager
Analytical Reference Materials international
Why DC Arc ?
www.leemanlabs.com
The DC Arc Perspective
Fast, quantitative multielement analysis of difficult to dissolve samples
are hallmarks of the DC Arc approach.
Few other techniques can challenge the ease-of-use or productivity of
DC Arc for samples that are difficult or impossible to digest.
AA, ICP and ICP - MS are powerful techniques but typically require
the sample be put into the liquid form.
the digestion process always results in a large dilution of the
analyte elements, problem for many apps
the digestion process does not eliminate the sample matrix, this
is a problem for applications with matrix element
spectral interferences
Prodigy
DC Arc
state-of-the-art DC Arc
Prodigy - The possibilities are limitless !
Fast, quantitative multielement analysis of difficult to dissolve
samples are hallmarks of the DC Arc approach.
Advantages Include:
Speed of analysis typically about 1 minuet per sample
Great for difficult to dissolve samples
No sample digestion
ideal for ceramics, metal nitrides, metal carbides,
ideal for graphite
ideal for geological materials and soils
ideal for nuclear material (e.g. uranium oxide, plutonium oxide)
Favorable limits of detection (typically < 1ppm in the solid)
eliminates the sample dilution inherent in acid digestions
ideal for trace elements in high purity Cu
ideal for trace elements in precious metals
Prodigy
DC Arc
state-of-the-art DC Arc
The DC Arc Plasma Source
Sample deposited into electrode cup
High temperature DC Plasma struck between electrodes
Analyte is distilled away from matrix or consumed with it
Analyte signal is time dependent
Does not require argon or other gases for many applications
Brief History of DC Arc - photographic
Original Instruments were 3.4 m Photographic Plate Spectrometers
Captured the full spectrum photographically, but were cumbersome in
terms of data handling no computers
Photographic plates are no longer available
Brief History of DC Arc PMT & CID
AtomComp 2000
Good instruments, but no
longer built or supported.
Stand alone aftermarket source with
Fiber optic interface
UV issues, worldwide support issues
Brief History of DC Arc
The TJ A Stand
Historical DC Arc Sources
Awkward jaw styleelectrode clamps
Awkward Stallwoodjet
The SpexStand
Brief History of DC Arc
Historical Issues Associated with DC Arc
Analysts that use them absolutely swear by them
no other technique that provides what the DC Arc does
Photographic plates are no longer available for the 3.4 m
Early Arc sources were a bit cumbersome and not automated
difficult jaw styleelectrode clamps
awkward Stallwoodjets
no current control of the source
Limited market of 10 to 20 units per year led to limited investment in
improvements of the technology or instrumentation
Prodigy
DC Arc
state-of-the-art DC Arc
Automated, compact, bench top DC Arc
Ergonomically designed arc stand
Simple electrode changes
Built in Stallwood J et
Improved precision
current controlled of the DC Arc
Simultaneous background correction
Simultaneous internal standardization
Powerful full spectrum data capture
Provides qualitative and/or quantitative analysis
Allows spectral addition and subtraction
Prodigy
DC Arc
state-of-the-art DC Arc
Prodigy
DC Arc
state-of-the-art DC Arc
Prodigy DC Arcs state-of-the-art DC Arc source
current control of the arc current
simple electrode changes
built-in Stallwood J et
Prodigy
DC Arc
state-of-the-art DC Arc
Prodigy DC Arcs state-of-the-art DC Arc source
Prodigy
DC Arc
state-of-the-art DC Arc
Ergonomic improvements to the DC Arc stand
Access to The Counter Electrode
Counter electrode rotates out of the way so you do not have to crankit
up and down for each sample
Simply rotate the electrode holder and change the electrode.
Prodigy
DC Arc
state-of-the-art DC Arc
Ergonomic improvements to the DC Arc stand
Sample Electrode Insertion
Counter electrode rotates out of the way
The new sample electrode and be inserted from the top or bottomof the
electrode holder and as accurately positioned automatically.
Prodigy
DC Arc
state-of-the-art DC Arc
Ergonomic improvements to the DC Arc stand
Easily accommodates a wide range of sample electrodes
Mushroom electrode (for Cu analysis) shown with counter electrode
slightly raised.
Prodigy
DC Arc
state-of-the-art DC Arc
Fully Automated / Programmable control of source parameters
Independently programmable control of the arc current as
well as argon and oxygen gases (when used)
Prodigy
DC Arc
state-of-the-art DC Arc
Data collection versatility
Fast qualitative analysis for spectral fingerprinting
Time resolved analysis for method development
Fast accurate quantitative analysis
The peak area can be placed anywhere in the subarray
peak area can be changed from 1 pixel to any number of pixels wide
The background points can be placed anywhere in the subarray
can be single or double sided
can contain multiple pixels
Prodigy
DC Arc
state-of-the-art DC Arc
Advanced Calibration Capability
Fractional Exponent Quadratic
handles extreme curvature with improved accuracy ( in green)
Note: simple
quadratic curve
fits poorly
Prodigy
DC Arc
state-of-the-art DC Arc
Time Resolved Analysis scan of silicon carbide
Prodigy
DC Arc
state-of-the-art DC Arc
Full Spectrum Acquisition of Ni
Note signal from wavelengths below Carbon 193.0
Prodigy
DC Arc
state-of-the-art DC Arc
Prodigy DC Arc Provides:
Automated, compact, bench top DC Arc
Ergonomically designed arc stand
Simple electrode changes
Built in Stallwood J et
Improved precision
current controlled of the DC Arc
Simultaneous background correction
Simultaneous internal standardization
Captures full spectrum
Provides qualitative and/or quantitative analysis
Allows spectral addition and subtraction